Help Bedford accelerate with faster broadband

Bedford Borough Council has launched a consultation on an
exciting project which is set to improve the availability of fast
broadband speeds for communities in the Borough. The project will
particularly target rural areas where broadband speeds and
availability can be very poor.

The project looks set to access over £1million of funding to
support the roll out of faster broadband in the Borough. This
includes £440,000 from BDUK, the government’s broadband delivery
arm, and £440,000 of match funding from the Bedford Borough
Partnership Board.

In order to access this funding a broadband plan is being
prepared to show how faster broadband could happen. Bedford Borough
Council is working with Central Bedfordshire Council and Milton
Keynes Council on a joint submission.

Local residents and businesses are being asked to register their
interest in faster broadband to encourage broadband infrastructure
providers to invest.

To shape the plan to best meet the needs of local residents and
businesses, the Council is asking for views about how the funding
available should be used.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “This project will
transform the way many people in the borough are able to access the
internet and related broadband services. Many people have spoken to
me about difficulties with broadband availability and connection
speeds, particularly in our rural communities.

"While commercial providers may expand capacity over the years
to come, our rural households and businesses need improved
broadband access as soon as possible. That’s why I am very
pleased that we are putting together a project that will make a
real difference across our communities.

"The project will involve significant levels of external funding
to make over £1 million in total, and our case for obtaining this
funding will only be strengthened by a strong response to our
consultation. I encourage residents and businesses to register
their interest in faster broadband and help shape the future of
broadband in the borough.”

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